The omission of the late former husband of DAME Elizabeth Taylor from the
nominations assembled by a panel of experts has angered film fans.

Welsh-born Burton, whose classic movies include CLEOPATRA and WHO'S AFRAID
OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, died in 1984 following a cerebral haemorrhage.

Burton's biographer PAUL FERRIS says, "If these two jokers (Grant and
Sellers) are included, then why not Burton? Nobody would notice if Cary Grant
or Peter Sellers were not in the top ten.

"Who would look at this list and wonder why they were not on it? But one
does think that about Burton. Without a doubt, he would genuinely think he
should be entitled to a place, though he'd probably make a joke about it."

However, British film critic Barry Norman defends the panel's choice, and
comments, "The quality all the top ten share, apart from talent, is staying
power. Anyone can be brilliant once - very few people can be brilliant nearly
all the time.

"All the nominations are versatile and gifted - not just personalities but
real actors, capable of submerging themselves into any role."

The full results of the poll will be broadcast on British TV on 11 July
(05).

The Official List Of Britain's Ten Finest Actor Nominees in alphabetical
order is: